Power generating system and rotary breech mechanism therefor



' Aug. 18, 1942. R. A. COFFMAN 2,293,043

POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BBEECH MECHANISM THEREFOR 11 Sheets -Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 15, 1937 iii A 1%, 1942. R. A. COFFMAN POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed NOV. 15, 1937 11 Sheets-Shea? 2 1 2- R. A. COFFMAN Aug. 18,

POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Fil ed Nov. 15, 1957 11 Sheets-Sheet s R. A. COFFMAN Aug. 18, 1942 POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISH THEREFOR '11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 15, 1937 R; A. COFFMAN 2,293,043

POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 15. 1957 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 lulu) Aug. E8, 1942. R. A. COFFMAN POWER GENERATING- SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 15, 1937 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 T0 MOTOR Aug. 18 1942. CQFFMAN 2,293,043

POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 15, 1937 11 Sheets-Sheet v Aug. 18, 1942. R. A. COFFMAN ,0

POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 15, 1937 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 ENG/NE I6 RUNNING EREEGH OPERA Tl/VG cum am :l23 /4 1.14/ r0 ENG/NE ,JZZ

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POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Nov. 15, 1937 I ll Sheets-Sheet 11 R E T m T 5 BURNING CHAMBER BREECH- MECHANIZM Patented Aug. 18, 1942 POWER GENERATING SYSTEM AND ROTARY BREECH MECHANISM THEREFOR Roscoe A. Coflman, Hollywood, Calif.

Application November 15, 1937, Serial No. 174,727

ll. i'Jlaims.

This invention relates to pressure generating mechanism and means for operating the same. More particularly the invention relates tov power generating starting systems for internal combustion engines and the like, and in associa- .tion therewith to magazine breech mechanisms adapted to set off successively a plurality of pressure generating units of the type shown in my applications Serial Numbers 581,032 and 585,594, the pressure so generated being supplied to a trated in my Patent No; 2,005,913.

An important object of this invention is to provide power generating starting systems of the character in question wherein the instantaneous capacity and the heat absorption area of said system under normal conditions areas near uniform for all installations as may be possible, regardless of the position in which it might be found necessary to locate the remote control operating mechanism for said system in any particular power plant installation.

Another object of the invention is the provision of such a power generating starting system which will minimize the necessity of requiring various and sundry types and sizes of power generating units or cartridges to take care of the ever varying conditions and specifications incident to theinstalling of the system upon any particular engine.

A still further object of the invention is to provide by means of remote control the firing of a power generating unit or cartridge in a system of this character, wherein after firing, and by means of said remote control, the system is initially vented of gases and thereafter by continued operation of the remote control a magazine mechanism is automatically operated to' place in firing position in the systems. succeeding power generating unit or cartridge for the purposes intended.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the type described which will operate without failure and which may be operated from a remote point by means unaffected by widely varying climatic conditions.

It is a further object of the invention to provide such devices which are light in weight and constructed of a minimum of parts all of which r are of such simple construction that failure in operation is precluded.

Heretofore, in power generating systems of this general type, the instantaneous capacity and exposed heat absorption area of the system fluid pressure motor of the general type illus- I sign of the power plant or engine with which said system was used, and this due to the variable distance the remote control mechanism for operating the system was required to be located from the engine mounting. Therefore it is important and of great advantage to provide a closed system for the purposes intended wherein its instantaneous capacity and heat absorptive area characteristics are substantially uniform, regardless of such variable engine structure installations.

With this idea in view, a more complete standardization of parts is possible and, further, a relatively fewernumber of different types and sizes of power generating units or cartridges are found necessary for operating the starting systems.

In explanation of the problems involved, it may be stated that in a certain size of Coffman cartridge type internal combustion engine starter, used by the United States Army and Navy Air Corps to great advantage at the present time, the installation consists of a power generating system having a predetermined capacity of approximately 15% cubic inch content, when considering the closed system as comprising the breech, the burning chamber, the tubing or connecting conduit between the breech and the burning chamber, and the cylinder space area of the starter proper. In such a system of the approximate capacity stated, and with a power generating unit or cartridge having a fuel charge of predetermined characteristics sufiicient to perform the successful work operation required in such system, repeated successful operations of this system may be considered to be reasonably uni form and the power output can be well regulated by the use of such predetermined power gen-- erating unit.

However, with a variation in the engine structure installation, and in a case where additional length of tubing is needed to take care of. the location of the breech mechanism in the cockpit of a particular type of airplane where the cockpit location is farther removed fron'f the engine mountingthan the length of tubing in the particular set-up just referred to, it becomes desirable in order to compensate for this additional length of tubing (in the event the same power output and operation are desired), to increase the amount of fuel or change the formula oi the fuel in the'power generating unit. It will thus be seen that in such an instance the capacity of the system has necessarily been increased to meet these installation conditions, and therefore the necessity for another type of power genvaried in accordance with the character and decrating unit, which of course is an undesirable of t e choreofactor or requirement as will be'obvious, and

. when considering the question of stadardization.

In order to further outline the problems involved and certain 'dificulties which have heretofore existed in connection with these power generating starting systems, it may be added that should additional length of tubing be necessary to meet the conditions set forth above (when considering, for instance,- the standard length end diameter of inch inside diameter tubing 3G inches long) it must be remembered that such tubing of this elven diameter has a capacity of one cubic inch of open space tor approximately each 4 inches of tubing length. Therefore, one

I foot of such tubing added for any particular installations would add additional three cubic inches of content to the system. in'qu'estion. Furthermore, with the oddeol length of tubing the instantaneous capacity of. the system isnot only increased, bllb'lihfi' interior wall of each foot of additional tubing length incresses the exposed ares, or metal for the absorption of the i3. tau. which have been generated by the power generattucunit and con tained in the gases thus derived from the burnin of course, itis welliuiowu that to the extent of flies square inches of surface, thus permitting increased surface area the more these gases erelieateal, the morev they are expended, and therefore the more they are expanded the greater the-pressure exerted on the part to "osmoveol. Therefore, if these B. t. u.-

are extracted from the gases during their process of generation and transportation by additional exposed surfacesthis would necessarily not only reduce the temperature or the gases, but would also reduce their-degree of expansion, and thus reduce the pressure necessary for the purposes intended.

- for reloading purposes,

escapee ing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of this application, proceeds.

In thesedrawings like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout-and:

Fig. l. is a view of my improved system and ro- I tary' magazine breech mechanism in side elevation,

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through.

7 is a sectional View talren on line of Fig. 2,

8 is a detail view of port of the auxiliary operating means used for releasing the magazine I F 9 is a more or less schematic view of breech operating mechanism adapted for use in connec-,

- .tlon withe, plurality of fluid pressure motors.

10 is a view taken on line illit of Fig. 9,

' lllg. ll is a sectional View of a fluid pressure mechanism for-operating the breech mocha I nism, I I

Fig. 12 shows a be operated by root pressure,

me. it is adiagrammatic showing of breech 1 operating means adapted to be operated by oil For this reason, it is highly desirable i to maintain as smell en amountof exposed. sur- I face as possible within the system commensurate with the proper and satisfactory operation of said system. Deviations from such a proper alignment proportionately alter the operations.

mthemore, another reason for standardizing the length of tubing which connects the breeching mechanism with the stertlng device, and holding the some to proper dimensions, is the fact that it has been found in experimentation that the more this tube is increased in length, the

breech and burning chamber respectively) will be at a lower elevation than either of the said ends, and in cold weather operation when the moisture content in the gases is'mcre susceptible to condensation because of contact with cold surfaces, this condensation necessarily settles in the lowest portion of the tubing, whereupon in succeeding operations of the'storter the fuel from the power generating unit is carried through or in contact with this condensation and, in some instances, the condensation may be great enough to extinguish the ignited fuel, thus bringing about a. hazardous condition in the event all of the fuel is completely extinguished.

Further important objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the followfrom the'lubiicating system of a combustion ensine with which the mechanism may be employed,

1% ice. diagrammatic illustration 01's modified form of fluid pressure breech actuating -mechanism,

' Fig. 15 lea diagrammatic illustration of a furthe! modification of fluid pressure breech actuating mechanism,

Fig. 16 is a view, partially in section, of magnetic breech operating mechanism,

Fig. l? is a plan View of electrical contact mechanism in association with my breech mechanism adopted to establish a signal circuit,

Fig.. 18 is a sectional view of Fig. 1? taken on line 88-58 thereof,

Fig. 19 ise perspective View of the rear end of the rotary magazine breech, showing particularly the relationship of the cartridge ejecting means and the cartridge holding fingers with the cartridge chamber and the breech block,

Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic showing of the closed starter system in connection with the engine to be started, illustrating particularly the starter proper, the burning chamber, the rotary breech mechanism including the gas and fuel chamber or pressure cylinder (all of which may be of uniform dimensions for variable engine installations), and the remote control means including the Bowden wire operatlngmeans, and

Fig. 21 is adetall view of the flanged sleeve 35,

electroshowing the series of perforations in the sleevev flange for use in adjusting the spring surrounding and attached to said sleeve.

' Referring first to the rotary magazine breech mechanism illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive,

10 represents a frame member which is adapted to be fixed in proximity to a fluid pressure motor of the type indicated. The frame member II has a central bore H which serves as a fuel and manner in which hand operatedbreech operating mechanism may be adapted to member ID is an elongated bearing l2 and below 'the cylinder H is a second bearing l3. Bearings forming a shoulder against which the inner surface of the breech block I! rests and against which the breech block I! is pressed by means of nuts 2| which are threaded on the inner ends of the strain rods l4 and I5.

The strain rods 14 and I5 are in the form of tubes or cylinders. The front end of 'the strain rod l4 may be closed by means of a tool 22, which tool is adapted to be received within the bore of said strain rod l4, while the bore of the strain rod I5 is adapted to accommodate a Bowden wire 23, the purpose of which will hereinafter be explained.

A cartridge magazine 24 is mounted for rotary movement on the strain rod I5 and this magazine is composed of a plurality of cartridge chambers 25 which are mounted in evenly spaced relation in spacing plates 26 and 21. The cartridges when loaded into these'chambers 25 are held in proper relation therein and from accidental removal therefrom (which might occur from jarring vibrations) by means of a spider washer 25 mounted upon the reduced port-ion l9 of the strain rod l5 between the breech block l7 and the I spring washer 60, the fingers or legs 25 of said spider washer extending radially therefrom and a single finger or leg in each instance overlapping the rear end of each cartridge for a short distance for the purpose intended and as clearly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawings. In order to retain the spider washer 25 in a relatively fixed relation upon its mounting and to hold the fingers or 'legs in proper relation'with the cartridges, outwardly bent lugs 25 are provided on one of the radial fingers or legs, which lugs engage the side edges of the breech block IT 'as clearly shown in Fig. 6; the breech block being'positioned between the two lugs in question and thus preventing any rotative movement of the spider washer and its fingers or legs as will be obvious.

The strain rods l4 and I5 are adapted for limited reciprocating movement. in bearings 12 and I3 respectively. .A pair of links 28 is-pivoted on the lugs 29 projecting laterally from each side of the connecting block I6, and it is to be noted that each link 28 is slotted as at 29' to' form a lost motion pivotal connection between these links and the lugs 29 for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth. One end of the links swings about a fixed pivot 30 which is formed on lugs 3| carried by the frame member") near the top thereof. The lower end of the links 28 is connected with the Bowden wire 23 as indicated at 3|. The cylinder H is provided with a pressure outlet 32, which is connected with the inlet to the burning chamber of the fluid pressure motor to be operated, and is sealed at its outer end by a piston 33 which is attached to a lug 34 projecting inwardly from the connecting bl ck l6. This arrangement permits endwise mavement of the strain rods and enables an operator to manipulate the Bowden wire '23 in a manner to pull the interconnected strain rods and as- Ill) sociated mechanism rearwardly in a manner that will cause the magazine 24 to operate as to be hereinafter more fully described.

The magazine 24 is mounted for rotary movement on a. sleeve 35 which is slidably carried by the strain rod (5 and adapted to move in a longitudinal direction with respect thereto, al-

though rotary movement of the sleeve with re-' spect to strain rod I5 is prevented due to the pin and slot connection shown at M. It will be seen that the spacing plate 26 has no connection with the sleeve 35 but is simply in close contact therewith whereby the sleeve 35 forms a hearing for the spacing plate 26. The spacing plate 21 is connected to a sleeve 36 which is carried by and adapted to rotate on the strain rod [5. The connection between the spacing plate 21 and the sleeve 36 may be effected in any suitable manner as by a screw 31, which in the particular instance shown passes through any one of a series of perforations located in the flange 31 at the rear end of said sleeve and enters a screw bore in the spacing plate 27 as clearly shown in Fig. 2. The series of perforations in the sleeve flange 31' is provided for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth.

The spacing plate 26 is provided on the fron face thereof with a plurality of apertures 39. These apertures are formed on the radial center line of each of the cartridge chambers 25. Carried by the frame member [0 is a locking pin 39 which is adapted to engage the apertures 38 successively and latch the several cartridge chambers 25 in alignment with the cylinder H.

The strain rods I4 and P5 are normally held in-breech closing or forward position by means of the spring 40. Rearward movement of the breech block "and of the rotary magazine 24 to permitdisengagement of the relatively movable elements and the rotation of the magazine is effected by exerting a pull 'on the Bowden wire 23.

' When the Bowden wire 23 is operated the strain rods l4 and !5 will he moved rearwardly against the tension of the spring 49 by virtue of the hereinabove described pivoted connection of the links 28. When the rods [4 and.|5 are moved rearwardly against the tension of the spring 40 by the Bowden wire mechanism, it is to be noted that the strain rod l5 will move longitudinally with respect to the sleeve 35, said sleeve remaining in a, fixed position but permitting such relative movement due to the pin and slot connection 4| referred to above. At the rear end of the sleeve 35-is a notched collar 42 which has formed thereon shoulders 43 and 44. This collar is clamped to the reduced end of the sleeve 35 by means of a clamping bolt 45. Immediately to the front of the collar 42 is a segment 46 which is rotatably carried on the reduced end of the sleeve 35. The segment 46 is free to rotate on the sleeve 35 and its rotation with respect to this sleeve is limited only by the shoulders .43 and 44 on the collar 42. This limited movement is effected by means of a pin 41 which projects from the rear 'face of the-segment 46 and into the path of the shoulders 43 and 44 defining the notch in the collar 42. Longitudinal movement of the segment is prevented by't-he notched collar 42 on the one side and the shoulder 48 which is formed on the sleeve 35 on the other side.

The spacing plate 26 carries a plurality of pins 49 on its rear face. These pins are positioned in the same radial lines as the apertures 38 on the front face of the spacing plate 26. One pin' 49 is provided for each chamber 25. The length of the pins 49 is such that they are normally in a vertical plane to the rear of the segment 66. They, however, serve the purpose of limiting the rotary movement of the magazine as will hereinafter be more fully described. A spring surrounds the sleeve 35 and is suitably secured at one end thereof to the magazine structure, the other end of said spring being attached to the segment 48 in a manner to urge the segment in clockwise direction.

Attached to the strain rod I5 by means of a screw 5| is a collar 52. The rear surface of the collar 52 is spaced from the sleeve 36 to provide a sufficient amount of relative axial movement therebetween. The screw 5| may also serve to mount one end of a coil spring 53 against the collar 52. The other end of the spring 53 is fixed to the sleeve 36 by means of a screw 54. The spring 53 is under torsional tension so that it serves to rotate the magazine M when the same has been freed from its associated latching pin and this tension may be adjusted, if found necessary, by rotating the sleeve and having the screw 3? engage within the desired perforation in the sleeve fiange 3?, as will be readily understood.

The breech block ll carries means for setting off a charge unit in any one of the several chambers 25 which may be in alignment with the cylinder ll. Such means may comprise an electric firing pin 55 to the outer end of which circuit wires may be attached. The firing pin 55 is preferably mounted in a sleeve of insulating material 55 and this sleeve may be fixed in the breech block ll by means of a threaded nut 57. The firing pin 55 is adapted to yieldably engage the charge within the chamber 25 by virtue of the spring 58 which at one end is in contact with the insulating sleeve and at the other end contacts a shoulder 59 on the pin 55.

Assuming each of the several chambers 25 of the magazine 2 to be loaded with a pressure generating charge, as seen for instance at 25' in Fig. 2, and assuming the magazine to be in the position shown in Figs. 5 and 6 wherein the first chamber 25 is in registration with the cylinder H and the firing pin 55, the following is to be noted when considering the arrangement of parts as referred to above. Under such conditions the spring 53 is under sufilcient tension to rotate the magazine fi l in a counter-clockwise direction to bring the next succeeding chamber 25 thereof to firing position if and when the latching mechanism including pin 39 is released. The operation of the mechanism is, however, such as to permit the magazine 25 to rotate only the distance from the medial line of one chamber to the medial line of the next succeeding chamber. This operation may now be described.

The charge in the first chamber having been ignited and used to perform its work operation in the system, the next succeeding chamber 25 is to be brought into firing position. To accomplish this, the operator will exert a rearward pull on. the Bowden wire 23. This will swing the lower end of the links 2i: rearwardly about the pivots 35. As a consequence of this, the links at will move upon their pivots 3 .8 a short distance due to the lost motion connection ra e between said links and the block it) to first move the valve operating rod and its associated valve mechanism for exhausting the cylinder ill, to be more fully described hereinafter, and then said links will bear rearwardly againstthe laterally projecting lugs 29 on the block 65, and

aceaocs by the spring member 60. The initial rearward movement of the strain rods l4 and i5 does not, however, effect any movement of the magazine 24, and this due to the spaced relation between the collar 52 and the end of the sleeve 36. Continued movement of the rods 14 and 15 will effect contact between the collar 52 and the sleeve 36, and it is not until the collar 52 is carried into contact with the sleeve 35 that the sleeve 36 begins its rearward axial movement to bring about movement of the magazine in a rearward direction to permit operation thereof. As'soon as the sleeve 36 begins to move rearwardly the magazine 24 will'likewise be moved rearwardly with respect to the sleeve 35 and follows along with the sleeve 36 and the strain rod l5 because of the unitary construction of the sleeve 35 and the magazine 24.

As the magazine 24 is moved rearwardly, one of the pins M will be brought into the vertical plane of the segment 66. It will be noted that the pin ln" carried by the segment 46 is normally in contact with the shoulder 44 (see Fig. 5) of the collar 32 so that the pin 49a will lie to the clockwise side of the segment 46. As soon as the magazine 2 1i is moved rearwardly a sufiicient distance to free the connection between the frame Hi and the magazine 24 which is formed by the pin 3! engaging within one of the apertures 38, the spring 53 will rotate the magazine 2% in a counter-clockwise direction. This rotation is limited by contact established between the pin 49a, the segment #96, the pin 41, and the shoulder 43 on the collar 32. It will be observed, of course, that the collar M is fixed against rotation and that the shoulder 53 thereof forms a positive stop. Thus, the rotation of the magazine is limited to an angular distance measured by the centers of two adjacent cylinders 25. After rotation of the magazine has taken place the Bowden wire is released and the spring 40 again returns the members to firing position. In this position the magazine 26 is again latched against further rotation by the pin 39 engaging within the next succeeding aperture on the front face of the spacing plate 26, the segment 46 is free to move in a clockwise direction past the pin 49 back to its normal position and under the influence of spring 55, the front end of the chamber 25 contacts the rear end with the cylinder l l the breech block it now closes the rear end of the chamber 25, and the mechanism is again in condition for setting off a charge of fluid pressure generating material for the performance of useful work.

It will be noted that the arrangement of the piston 33 in the cylinder H insures against premature movement of the breech block l1. Pressure in the cylinder M will bear against the piston 55 and through its connection with the interconnected strain rods l4 and 15, will serve to hold the block I! in tight contact with the rear end of any one of the chambers 25 with which it may then be associated, it being of course understood that in crder to accomplish this end the exposed surface area of the piston which is subjected to pressure is greater than the expesed surface area of the cartridge within. the chamber 22 At 69 is shcwn a handle which primarily corrstitutes a manual operating means adjacent the breech mechanism for use in connection with the reloading of the magazine with power generatin units or cartridges. sleeve 35 is provided with a spiral groove 6| into which extends the end of a screw or stud 52 which is carried by a plate 63 which extends rearwardly from the handle 6! and which overlies the sleeve 35. This mechanism is mounted for rotation on the sleeve 35 by a narrow portion thereof which extends around the sleeve 35 which forms its bearing. Endwise movement of the manually op-' erated mechanism is prevented, but rotary movement thereof is permitted by the grooved collar 64 which extends over a lip 65 on the bushing 65 carried by the frame l0. Consequently, angular movement of the handle would normally tend to rotate the sleeve 35 but since the sleeve 35 is splined to the strain rod by means of the pin and slot arrangement M, such rotary movement is prohibited and at the same time converted into axial movement of the sleeve 35. Upon such axial movement of the sleeve 35, the rear end thereof will contact the collar 52 to move the strain rod IS in a rearward direction to permit the breech block-to move away from the magazine structure, and by further axial movement of said sleeve 35 in the same direction, the collar 52 on the strain rod l5 will contact the forward end of sleeve 36 and move the magazine rearwardly to release it from its associated parts as heretofore set forth, while at the same time maintaining the magazine and the breech block in the spaced relation previously assumed, thus permitting the magazine to be free for the rotative movement necessary to re load the magazine with cartridges and the resetting of the parts of the entire structure to permit the various mechanisms to again function in the manner heretofore described in detail.

It will therefore be seen from what has been set forth above, that mechanism has been provided whereby the breech magazine may not only be operated by remote control (Bowden wire mechanism for instance), but provision is also made for operating the magazine at a point closely adjacent the magazine mechanism, and this for the purpose of moving the several parts and mechanisms to such positions as may be necessary to permit ready, easy, and accurate reloading of said magazine. However, prior to reloading it isnecessary to eject the shells of the series of cartridges which have been fired, and for this purpose is provided a plurality of pins a having ejector heads b which in normal position lie flush with the outer face of the spacing plate 21, which heads, when the cartridges are in loaded position within the magazine, lie partially beneath the rim of the cartridge shells, and thus are in a position to engage said shells and eject the same from their chambers 25 when the ejector pins are moved outwardly against the tension of It will be noted that the tool to be retained relatively fixed while moving said tool with a wedging action against the end i of the ejector pin for moving the same in an outsprings 0 provided for normally holding said pins 3 an ejector pin, thus permitting a screw driver or other tool 22 to be engaged within each notch wardvdirection for ejecting the used cartridge shells in a manner as set forth above.

It is to be understood that the fingers or legs 25 of the, spider washer 25 are of such dimensions as to not interfere in any way with the ejector pins, and that when it is desired to eject the cartridge shells in the manner herein described, the magazine may be rotated and ma-' nipulated to a position where the fingers or legs lie against or adjacent the spacing plate 21 and at points between the cartridge chambers, thus making provision for ready and easy ejection of the cartridge shells and without interference in any way insofar as the cartridge retaining fingers or legs are concerned.

Means has been provided for venting the cylinder after each operation of the mechanism and this means comprises a vent passage 61 which leads into a valve chamber 68. The valve chamber 68 is closed at one end by a screw closure 69 and has leading therefrom a passage III to the atmosphere. Communication between the cylinder II and the atmosphere through vent passages 61 and I0 is normally closed by a valve H. A valve stem 12 extends through a bore in the frame member If] and the end thereof extends beyond the face of the frame member l0 and into the path of an operating cam. 13 which is pivoted at i l. The valve H is retained in seated position by means of a spring 15. One of the links 28 has pivoted thereto a valve operating rod 76 which is journalled for sliding movement in the frame member H]. The operating rod 16 is adapted to contact a projection TI on the cam plate '33. With this construction, it will be evident, the valve II will be moved rearwardly to establish communication between the ports 61 and 10 upon the initial movement of the links 28 upon their pivots 30, this operation being permitted and brought about due to the lost motion connection 2929 heretofore described, it of course being necessary to exhaust or vent the cylinder H prior to the rearward movement of the strain rods I l and I5 for the purpose of actuating the magazine mechanism for bringing the next succeeding cartridge in position for firing. Upon such rearward movement the operating rod 16 will contact the projection H on the 'cam plate 13-, moving the same rearward so that the cam surface in contact with the projecting end of the valve stem 12 will move the stem 12 rearwardly against the tension of the spring 15. Upon return movement of the parts to firing position the spring '15 will return the valve H to its seat and close communication between the cylinder H and the atmosphere.

It is evident that the Bowden wire attached to the mechanism for the purpose of operating the same may extend to a remote point where it is accessible to an operator, such as to the cockpit of an airplane. In its simplest arrangement the end of the wire may have an operating handle attached thereto. In Figs. 9 to 16 of the drawings is disclosed a number of operating mechanisms which may be used to advantage.

Where a plurality of fluid pressure motors are to be operated, it .will be understood that each motor will have in association therewith one of the magazine breech mechanisms hereinbefore described. In such cases, it is desirable that any one of a plurality of suchmotors be operated from a remote point selectively at the option of the operator. A device for accomplishing such selective operation is illustrated in Figs. 9 and of the drawings. In Fig. 9 is shown four Bowden wires, 80, 8|, 82 and 83, each one of which leads to a breech mechanism associated with a fluid pressure motor. It is'understood of course that the number may be greater or less than four as the circumstances may demand. The wires 80, 8t, 82 and 83 have attached to the endof each a rod 34 which is adapted to slide in a fixed tubular bearing 85. Each of these rods has extending from the inner end thereof an inturned finger 865. The bearings are circularly arranged so that the fingers 36 are extended radially toward the center of the circle at which is located an operating member 87 rotatably mounted on an instrument board 88 or in any other desired position. The operating member bl is provided with a handle 89 at one end thereof, and at the other end thereof has a projection til which is adapted to engage any one of the fingers 88 for the purpose of establishing operating contact therewith. Associated with the member St is a pointer 9! which is adapted to sweep a dial 92 having means or designations 93 thereon to indicate the position of the several Bowden wires leading to their respective motors. Thus, for example, should it be desired to actuate motor No. 1, such actuation can be accomplished by turning the handle 81 until the pointer 9I points to the figure l on the dial 92. In this position, projection 90 will contact finger 86 which is a continuation of the Bowden wire 80. Rearward axial movement of the handle 98 will then exert a pull on the Bowden wire 80 and operate the rotary breech mechanism in the manner hereinabove described.

It has been found advantageous under certain conditions to provide fluid pressure means for operating the Bowden wire or other operating means connected with the magazine breech mechanism.- A simple form of such fluid pressure means is illustrated in Fig. 11, wherein 24 indicates the rotary magazine breech mechanism Which is to be operated. The Bowden wire or rod M0 in this case passes through a packing gland IOI and into a cylinder I02 which may be attached to the screw threaded end I03 of the strain rod I5. Rod I00 is attached to a piston adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder I02. The piston is composed of a metallic piston member I04 and a flexible cupped gasket or packing member I05. A spring I05, one end of which rests against the piston member I04 and the other end of which rests against a screw cap member I01, is normally adapted to urge the piston I04 to the front end of the cylinder i02.

A suitable length of tubing I08 is attached in communicating relation with the interior of the forward end of the piston I02 by means of a nipple arrangement I09. The other end of the tube I08 communicates with the interior of a second cylinder I I0 in which is a piston I I I The piston III may be manually operated through an operating knob I I2. A spring H3 normally urges the piston III to the rear of the cylinder H0. It will be understood from the description that when the cylinder H0 and the tubing I08 are filled with a substantially non-compressible liquid, operation of the knob M2 to move the piston HI to the rear of the cylinder H0 will serve to force the liquid Within the cylinder through the tube I08, into the front end of the cylinder I02, and thereby move the piston I04 within the cylinder 502 to the rear of the cylinder against the tension of the spring I06. This operation will actuate the rod I00 to operate the rotary breech mechanism in the manner hereinbefore described. Release of the knob I52 will permit the springs I08 and M3 to restore the operating elements to normal position.

In Fig. 12 of the drawings is shown a manner of mounting the cylinder H0 and its operating knob M2 whereby the same may be operated by foot pressure. In this figure, M3 represents the floor of a vehicle and IE4 is a bracket extending therefrom upon which a pedal H5 is pivoted to H6. It will be evident that pressure upon the pedal lit will serve to pivot the same about the axis M6 and thereby cause the knob M2 to be depressed by contact with the upper end of the pedal. Further operation of this form of the invention is similar to that described with respect to Fig. 11. It will be evident, of course. that further operating mechanism as hereinafter to be described may also employ the invention taught in Fig. 12 of the drawings.

It may be desirable for certain conditions of operation to provide means for operating the breech mechanism which employs the lubricat-:

ing pressure of an engine lubricating system. Such pressure can be utilized in a system like that shown in Fig. 13 of the drawings wherein E20 is a closed container adapted to receive oil under pressure while the engine is in operation. Oil from the lubricating system of the engine is led through conduit I2I past the check valve I I2, through the branch conduit I23, and into the pressure receptacle I20. The conduit I23 extends below the line I 2I and'terminates in a v three-way valve I24. It will thus be understood that while the engine is in operation the threeway valve I24 will be turned to a position to close the lower end of conduit I23. Oil will therefore pass from the lubricating system through conduit I2I and into the pressure receptacle I20 where such oil is held under pressure, its return to the lubricating system through conduit I2I being inhibited by the check valve I22.

Thus, with oil under pressure in the receptacle I20, if it is desired to actuate the starting motor through operation of the breech mechanism, it will be only necessary to turn the valve I24 to establish communication between conduits I23 and I25. Oil under pressure will now flow from the pressure receptacle I20 through the conduit I23,the valve I24, the conduit I25, and into the front end of the breech operating cylinder I26. This pressure is eflective to move the piston 12'! rearwardly against the tension of the spring I28. The breech operating rod I29 which is connected to the piston I21 will thereby be operated to actuate the breech mechanism in the manner hereinbefore described. After an actuation of the breech mechanism, the valve I24 may be turned to a third position to establish communication between conduit I25 and I30, thereby permitting the oil in the cylinder I26 to be returned to the engine sump or other suitable catch basin with which the conduit I30 communicates.

It has been found that under conditions of se verely low temperature, and when the lubricating oil has been permitted to stand in the pressure receptacle I20 without any substantial agitation, such oil may become too viscous for proper operation of the breech operating cylinder. To obviate such dificulties and to adapt the system for operation under the most rigorous climatic conditions, the system as illustrated in Fig. 14 of the drawings has been devised. This system is adapted to operate under the influence of pressure operating on a light non-freezing fluid which does not become substantially Viscous under adverse climatic conditions.

In Fig. 14 is shown a closed pressure cylinder I3I in which is a free piston I32 normally supported in the upper end of the cylinder I3I by means of a spring I33. The upper end of the cylinder I3! is in communication with a hand pump I34 through the conduit I35. A pressure gauge I36 also communicates with the top of the cylinder I3I. The bottom of the cylinder I3I communicates with a storage tank I31 through conduits I38 and I39. The operating fluid which is contained in the storage tank I31 may flow through a check valve I50, conduit I39, conduit I38, and into one end of the cylinder I3I. During such flow of operating fluid the valve MI is turned to a position which closes the end of the conduit I38 and therefore permits operating fluid until the pressure gauge I indicates the desired pressure. With the operating fluid in cylinder I3I, thusunder an appropriate pressure, the

three-way valve I II may be turned to establish communication between the conduits I35 and I52, the latter conduit being in communication with one end of the operating cylinder I33. The

cylinder I53 contains a piston I55 to one side of .which is attached the breech mechanism operating rod I05 and against the other side of which bears a spring I05 which normally tends to movethe piston I610 .to the forwardend of the cylin-- der. It will be evident from what has been said heretofore that reciprocation of the rod I05 will actuate the breech mechanism. When the valve .IiI is turned to establish communication between the conduit I52 and the conduit I51, the pressure on the operating fluid in the conduit I62 and in the cylinder IE3 is released and the spring I06 will then return the piston I50 to its normal position. Operating fluid is thereby forced out of the cylinder I53, through the conduit I42, through the valve IOI,. and through the conduit I51 and back into tank I31. It will be noted that the tank I31 may be appropriately vented as at I08. Furthermore, the air pressure in the cylinder I3I may be released through operation of a check valve I09 which is adjacent the pump I30 and which may be operated by the pump handle to exhaust the cylinder I3I. Operating fluid will now again pass from the tank I31, through the check valve I315, through the conduits I33, I33 and into the pressure cylinder I3I It will be understoodof course that the various pistons herein referred to are adequately 14 into a system illustrated in Fig. 15 wherein a light non-freezing low pour point fluid is used to operate the breech mechanism operating cylinder, but wherein oil pressure from the engine lubrication system is'utilized to establish a presssure upon the light non-freezing operating fluid. In the embodiment of the invention is shown a pressure receptacle I50 which is transversely divided by a free sealing piston I5I which is normally urged to its lower position in contact with the operating fluid by means of a spring I52 which contacts the piston I5I at the other end.

The piston I5I consequently divides the chamber I50 into a fluid containing compartment and into an air space compartment over the piston.

Operating fluid is normally contained in a second 'pressure chamber I53 which is similar in construction to chamber I50 and in which a piston I54 is free to reciprocate and is urged to one end of the chamber by means of a spring I55. A conduit I50 interconnects the bottom of the chamber I50 with the top of the chamber I53. The bottom of the chamber I53 is in communication with oil pressure from the lubricating system of the engine through conduit I56, past ball check valve I51, and past manually manipulable valve I58. A return line to the engine sump or other suitable catch basin is provided at I59 between the bottom of the chamber I53 and such engine sump. The operating fluid end of the chamber I50 communicates with a three-way valve I60 by means of a conduit I5I. When the valve I60 is turned to a position to establish communication between the chamber I50 and the breech mechanism operating cylinder I62 through the conduit I63, operating. fluid will pass through these conduits into one end of the breech mechanism operating cylinder I62 to move the piston I35 therein rearward against the tensionof the coil spring I55. Such movement of the piston I55 carries with it the breech mechanism 0 operating rod I66. The cylinder IE2 is exhausted through the line I63 when .the three-way valve IE0 is turned to a position establishing communication between the line I63 and the line I61. The line I61 leads into the storage tank I63 which is suitably vented at one point thereof as at I53. Operating fluid may drain from the storage tank I68 through the conduit I01 past the check valve I10 and into the lower end of the chamber I50 when the system is not under pressure.

When the engine with which this mechanism is associated is in operation, oil from the lubricating system will enter the chamber I53 through the line I50, thus forcing the piston I54 back against the pressure of the spring I55, and thereby force operating fluid through the line I50 and into the chamber I50, forcing the piston I5I upwardly and compressing the air above this piston. It will be observed that through this operation, the operating fluid will be held in the chamber I50 under adequate pressure. When it is desired, therefore, to actuate the breech mechanism, such operation can be accomplished by turning the valve I to establish communication between the conduits I6I and I63. Fluid under pressure passing through these conduits will operate the breech operating piston I64 as hereinabove described. Further movement or the valve'IBli will serve to exhaust the cylinder I62, as hereinabove described. It will be noted that the oil under pressure is prevented from retume ing to the lubricating system through the conduit I55 by means or the ball check valve I51.

.On the other hand, the oil under pressure in the chamber I53 is prevented from returning to the engine sump or other catch besin by means of manually manipulable valve III which may be operated to permit the oil in the chamber I53 to return to the engine sump or other suitable place through the conduit 859.

This invention also contemplates electro'-magnetic means for operating the breech mechanism and one embodiment or such means is illustrated in Fig. 16, wherein the breech mechanism is generally indicated by the numeral 24 and in whicha breech operating rod I80 is shown as extending into a magnetic coil I8I to form the armature thereof. The coil I9I may be attached to the strain rod 55, as by screw threads I82. The coil I9I may be suitably grounded and may be placed in circuit with the battery I83 through switch I94. 'It will thus be evident that when the circuit is closed by manipulation of the switch I89, current passes from the battery I33 into the coil WI and draws the armature-breech operating rod I90 rearwardly in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art.

It is important that the operator receive positive evidence that the breech mechanism has been effectively operated, and for this purpose there is disclosed in Figs. 17 and 28 means for indicating the successful operation of the breech mechanism. Attached to the strain rod I4 is a circuit maker, generally indicated at I90. The circuit maker I90 comprises a strip of conducting material I9I which encircles and is supported by the strain rod I4 and which is insulated therefrom by insulating member I92. After encircling the strain rod I4 the ends of the con ducting strip I9I are extended in what may be termed a short leg I91 and a long leg i94, said legs being disposed in spaced parallel relationship with a block of insulating material I95 disposed therebetween. By means of a bolt I96 passing through the-short leg I97, the insulating block I95 and the long leg I94, the parts may be securely clamped in assembled relation to the strain bar I4. The long leg I94 of the conducting strip I9I constitutes one of the two contact fingers of the circuit maker I90, while a conducting strip I93 secured to the opposite side of the insulating block I 95 by means oi screw 202 constitutes the other contact finger. The finger I93 is mounted on the insulating block in spaced relation from the short leg I91 of the conducting strip I9I and'consequently out of electrical contact therewith. Normally spaced contact points I98 and I99 are carried by the fingers I99 and I94, respectively. The finger I99 is in circuit with a battery or other suitable source ofelectrical current 200 through the conductor 2M and screw 202. A signal lamp 203 which may be positioned on an instrument board -isin electrical contact with the short leg I91 oi the conducting strip I9I through the conductor 204. Since boththe battery and lamp are suitably'grouhded it will be seen that when the contact points I99 and I99 are brought together the circuit will be established and the signal lamp 209 will be lighted.

It will be observed by reference to Fig. 17 that the circuit making mechanism is located slidably to the rear of the rotary breech plate 29 so that no portion of the breech mechanism is in operative-contact with the signal mechanism when one of the cartridge chambers 29 is infiring position. However, when the breech block is operated as hereinabove described for the purpose oi rotating the magazine, the magazine cartridge-chambers 29 are in regular order moved under the circuit making device. I90 so that rotation or the magazine will bring the 2. A. structure ber 29 into contact with the finger I94 during the. course of such rotation. when this contact occurs, the high portion oi the periphery of each cartridge-chamber 29 will' move the finger I94 and the contact point I99 into contact with the contact point I99 of finger I99, thereby establishing a circuit from the source of current 200 through the circuit making mechanism I90 and to the signal lamp 209. It will be understood, of course, that the operating contact between the exterior surface of each cartridge-chamber and the finger I94 is only momentary so that a flashing signal is given by the lamp 209 to indicate that the magazine of the breech mechanism has been rotated. Upon completion of the breech mechanism operation, the magazine again moves forward as hereinabove described and the cartridge-chamber which has just served to operate the signal mechanism moves away from the circuit making device I90 and is positioned in firing relation with the cylinder I I. It will be understood that the operation described will take place each time the breech mechanism is actuated so that a signal is given at each operation of the ,rotary magazine. The lamp 209 is simply representative of other signo] means which may be 01' a visual, audible, or other suitable character.

It is also to be noted in connection with the systems disclosed in Figs. 11, 13,14 and 15 that there is provided a multiple selector valve which is manually operated to select anyone gt-a plurality of fluid pressure motors to""b""operated, a plurality of pressure and exhaust lines being controlled selectively by said valve, and each pressure and exhaust line leading from said valve to a different fluid pressure motor.

It will'be understood that the invention herein taught may be embodied in diflerent forms and the specific illustrations hereinabove given are merely for the purpose" of teaching broad principles of the invention. It is therefore desired that the practice of the invention shall not be limited to these specific examples, but shall be limited only by the scope of the subioined claims I What I claim is:

1. A structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine associated therewith adapted to receive a plurality of pressure generating charges, a breech block adapted toback up said chargesas they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, a latching means carried by said cylinder adapted to engage means on said magazine for eflecting alignment between said cylinder and a charge carried by said magazine.

spring means operative to rotate said magazine when released from said latching means, means under the control of an operator at a remote point for moving said magazine in areal-ward direction away from said pressure cylinderfor electing release of said magazine from, said latching means whereby said spring means may rotate said magazine for aligning an unfired charge, means for relatching said magazine, and a firing pin carried by said breech block in alignment with said pressure chamber and pressure generating charge tlierebetween, to ignite said charge.

oi the character described comprising a pressure cylinder. a rotatable magasine associated therewith adapted to receive a outer exterior surface or each cartridge champlurality oipressure generating charges, abreech block adapted to back up said charges as they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, spring means for rotating said magazine, means for controlling said spring means for operating said magazine from a remote point, auxiliary means directly associated with said structure for manipulating said magazine for reloading the same, and a firing pin carried by said breech block in alignment with said pressure chamber and pressure generating charge therebetween, for igniting said charge.

3. A structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine associated therewith adapted to receive a plurality of pressure generating charges, a breech block adapted to back up said charges as they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, a latching means carried by said cylinder adapted to engage means on said magazine for effecting alignment between said cylinder and a charge carried by said magazine, spring means operative to rotate said magazine when released from said latching means, means operative from a remote point under control of an operator for effecting release of said magazine from said latching means to permit rotation of said magazine for the purposes intended, means directly associated with said structure for manipulating said magazine for reloading the same, and a firing pin carried by said breech block in alignment with said pressure chamber and pressure generating charge therebetween, for igniting said charge.

4. A structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine having a plurality of pressure generating charge receiving chambers, a breech block adapted to'back up said charges as they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, latching means carried by said cylinder adapted to engage means on said magazine for efiecting successive alignment between said cylinder and a charge chamber of said magazine upon successive operations thereof, spring means operative to rotate said magazine when released from said latching means, means under the control of an operator at a remote point for first moving the breech block in a rearward direction away from the magazine and then moving the magazine in a rearward direction sufficient to releasesaid magazine from the latching means whereby said spring means becomes effective to rotate the magazine, a second spring means for,

returning the parts to normal firing relation with a new charge in position to be fired, and a firing pin carried by said breech block in alignment with said pressure chamber and pressure generating charge therebetween, to ignite said charge. I I

,5. In a structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine having a plurality of chambers for receiving pressure generating charges, a breech block adapted to back up said charges as they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, and non-rotative means mounted on said magazine structure and engaging the rear end of each charge for preventing accidental displacement of said pressure generating charges from their receiving chambers in all operative positions of the magazine.

6. In a structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine having a plurality of chambers for receiving pressure generating cartridges, a cartridge ejector rod mounted upon said rotatable magazine and in cooperative relation with a cartridge in a receiving chamber, a spring for maintaining said rod in inoperative position, and manual means adapted to engage within a recess in said magazine structure for moving said ejector rod against the tension of said spring to eject cartridges.

7. In a structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a cartridge receiving chamber associated with said cylinder, 2. breech block for backing up said cartridge receiving chamber, means for firing a cartridge contained within said chamber for generating pressure gases within the cylinder to perform a useful work operation, valve operating means for exhausting the pressure gases from the cylinder after each work operation, and means for operating said firing means and the exhaust valve operating means under the control of an operator at a remote point, said remote control means serving to initially operate the valve for exhausting the gases of a fired cartridge prior to the positioning of another cartridge in firing relation to the pressure cylinder.

8. In a structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable ma azine having a plurality of chambers for receiving pressure generating charges, a breech block adapted to back up said charges as they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, and fixed means mounted on said magazine structure serving to prevent accidental displacement of the pressure generating charges from their receiving chambers in all operative positions of the magazine, said means comprising a spider washer having radially extending fingers overlapping the rear end of each charge when in operative relation therewith.

9. In a structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine having a plurality of chambers for receiving ressure generating charges, a breech block adapted to back up said charges as they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, and means mounted on said magazine structure for preventing accidental displacement of the pressure generating charges from their receiving chambers in all operative positions of the magazine, said means provided with lugs c0- operating with the breech block structure to hold said means in-fixed relation therewith to properly function as a retaining means for the charges.

10. In a structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine having a plurality of chambers for receiving pressure generating charges, a breech block adapted to backup said charges as they are brought into alignment with said pressure cylinder, and fixed means mounted on said magazine structure serving to prevent accidental displacement of the generating charges from their receiving chambers in all operative positions of the magazine, said means having projecting fingers overlapping the rear end of each charge when in operative relation therewith, and said fingers being of such dimension that the charges may be released therefrom when the magazine is moved with respect-to said fixed means and its projecting fingers.

11. In a structure of the character described comprising a pressure cylinder, a rotatable magazine having a plurality of chambers arranged in series for receiving pressure generating car- 

